I came across Victoire’s work on TikTok - like most people, I have a love/hate relationship with social media in general. On one hand, I feel guilty for wasting loads of time scrolling on my phone, but equally it is such a great tool for discovering new art, music, creatives, that I wouldn’t come across in the wild.
Victoire’s work is so deeply rooted in nature that it feels contradictory to consume it through a phone screen - animals that are almost always together, existing in herds and packs, painted in unexpected colours evoke the sunsets and sunrises of the West.
We spoke about complex relationships with social media, why she returns to animals, finding her way with colour, and building a slower life and art practice on Vancouver Island.
@studiovictoireperez
vancouver island, canada
What’s your relationship like with social media as an artist?
I started taking my business seriously in 2024, and I never really put much effort or time into social media. I dismissed the importance of posting consistently and ran away from it. I thought I could still be seen without posting. I was wrong, and of course, social media has never been my favourite thing to think about.
I grew up in a small village in the French Alps, and I still spend most of my time without reception outside, but this August 2026 I had a post go semi-viral, and it changed my business.
I am excited to share my story, lifestyle and inspire other young artists. (I am writing this from a remote lodge, a long boat ride from Tofino, BC)
Does knowing that a painting may be discovered online rather than in person influence what you create or how you create it?
This is a great question. Paintings always carry more power when seen in person, but I am lucky enough that people feel so many emotions seeing my pieces from a tiny iPhone screen.
The spirit of my painting could travel so far, and I believe it can be felt from anywhere. Just today someone shared that my animals feel like conduits of healing and empowerment, and I think it’s a perfect example of that kind of connection.
Animals show up in most of your work; what is it that keeps you coming back to them as a subject?
I’m very interested in social structures within the animal kingdom. Herd animals in particular; they live simple yet complicated lives, while always being in the present, close to their family.
I am inspired by so many wild animals. Playing in the forest as a kid made my life so much closer to nature. Now, being located in the west coast of Canada, nature is everywhere. It’s easier to get disconnected from the fast paced world we live in.
I have lived on many ranches where horses helped me a lot. They taught me patience and how good things take time. They taught me to be more intentional with every step I take and what truly matters; you know, finally touching a massive animal on their head for the first time in months or galloping through rough rivers makes you feel special and alive.
I love your use of colour, especially how you use combinations that feel unexpected - how do you approach choosing the palette for your pieces?
Thank you so much. After 19 years of painting and 6 years of developing my craft, I think I have found a technique that makes me feel excited. My piece ‘Purple Haze” was a breakthrough while refining my style. I chose this deep electric blue and balanced it with some warmth, with the light yellow and rich purple/burgundy. Colours carry so many feelings, like how green versus orange would make your brain react a certain way. That’s why a sunset and a sunrise feel different; sunrises are usually warmer in tones.
Tell me a bit about Vancouver Island’s creative scene! Is there a strong community?
I lived in so many places in British Columbia, and this island pace and lifestyle fits the most with what I need. A life with more intention, a slow rhythm, far from big cities and rush hour. The community is so amazing, with so many art councils in every town, small exhibits, etc. I love a lot of the landscape and ocean-inspired art from the island, but my inspiration lies elsewhere. In a way, my work unintentionally fills a gap.
Does the natural landscape of Vancouver Island play a part in influencing your work?
I get influenced and inspired by everything: people, voices, clouds, music, and Vancouver Island is such a mix of so many things. Living on the coast influences my art. There are also a lot of farms and ranches, which keeps my love for the wild west awake.
What’s the last thing you saved on your phone that wasn’t art?
I found some beautiful hibiscus flowers that had amazing colour combinations and shades. I am the girl who stops on the side of the road to take photos of flowers.
And what’s the last thing you saved that is art?
I saved an amazing ceramic artist that did a beautiful horse design mug. Her name is @dontyuckmyyum.studio on Instagram :)